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Adelaide Fringe 2011

Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience

Interactive Theatre Australia

Genre: Physical Theatre

Venue: Aces Bar, Market Plaza Gouger St Adelaide

Festival:


Low Down

 

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, there was no avoiding the interactive experience of Basil, Manuel and Sybil; not that you wanted to! The Interactive Theatre Australia cast left no stone unturned when it came to pumping out gag after gag in a dining experience I’m sure I’ll never forget. Recreating the slapstick comedy from the television show, this cast demonstrated amazing physical skill, excellent comic timing and well-crafted audience interaction and participation.

 

Review

 

The Faulty Towers Dining Experience is exactly that. Jordan Edmeades (Basil), Amanda McKay (Sybil) and Daley Donnelly (Manuel) mix quick wit and great improvisational skills, combined with their ability to emulate these classic Faulty Towers characters to deliver a sidesplitting show!

 

With a full house all packed in to enjoy our lovely 3-course meal, nothing is quite as it seems. Some of us are pulled from our chair to help serve, others discover “surprises” in their food, Manuel has lost his pet, Sybil’s hair-do is a stunner and Basil’s wrath is comic genius!

 

But there’s more! Of particular interest was the play on the language barrier for waiter, Manuel, who kept us laughing all night long. “Circulate the nuts”, “Wait on the table” and “Sapphire” were all played out to their maximum. Another great element was how the 3 cast members were able to give each table a mini personal show of comedy as well as managing to involve us all when they ducked and weaved in between us.  My guest and I were personally given some royal treatment thanks to my famous surname!

 

Whilst all the raucous madness was going on, some ‘real’ waiters were swift with serving and clearing plates and making sure we all got our drinks on time; despite Manuel breaking a pile of soup bowls in the kitchen.

 

Edmeades portrayal of Basil Faulty was simply outstanding. Often pointing and yelling at guests, who either didn’t dress appropriately, were texting on their phones or asked for salt! His outbursts were superb and clearly an indication of the fear he has of his wife Sybil! Each time we heard that ear-piercing “Bas-il” from ‘Mrs Faulty’, Basil’s pain was clearly felt! 

 

McKay’s portrayal of Sybil Faulty was spot on. The walk, look, smile and voice were all a hoot.

 

Whether you’ve seen Faulty Towers the television show or not, you’ll be swept up in this dining experience. A great night out for anyone who is in need of a good laugh and some yummy food; unless your vegetarian, then you might find yourself being served something a little out of the ordinary!

 

Basil, Sybil and Manuel are here every night of the Fringe (except Friday’s) so book yourself in for lunch or dinner if you’re seeking your 5 minutes of fame.

Published

Show Website

www.interactivetheatre.com.au